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Different Forms for Different Foods!

The unique toxic terrors called pfiesteria piscicida are microorganisms thatcan morph into 24 different body forms, depending on their dinner plans.   Linked to massive fish kills along the East Coast, the animal-like microbes can at times behave like a plant.   In an activity known as kleptochloroplast, Pfiesteria "steal" chloroplasts, the parts of plants that produce energy fom sunlight in photosunthesis, and use them to supplement their diet for weeks or months.

IF fish swim by, microscopic Pfiesteria morph into a toxic form calle a zoospore.   The dramatic metamorphosis can take mere minutes.   Pfieteria release a deadly toxin into the water, which paralyzes fish and dissolves their flesh.

AFTER attacking fish with toxin, Pfiesteria feast on the victims, sucking away flesh and blod through a straw-like arm.   To consume the fish remains, the microbes transform into colorless amoebas.

In the absence of food, the microbes can "hibernate," lying buried in the mud in a cyst stage for months-or even years-awaiting a suitable meal.

ON a river bottom, Pfiesteria may take the shape of large amoebas, engulfing small prey such as other dinoflagellates, algae, and other microbes like a blanket.